CFAs: Research Project and Existing Program Evaluation Proposals (US)

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026

The Brady Education Foundation supports Research Project (RP) and Existing Program Evaluation (EPE) proposals that inform educational research, practice, philanthropic giving, and public policy. Funding is available for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, with budgets up to $125,000 per year for new-data studies and up to $100,000 for projects analyzing existing datasets.

Funding Focus

• Support educational or developmental research with a strength-based perspective

• Evaluate program effectiveness to improve children’s learning and achievement outcomes (EPE)

• Conduct research on factors affecting achievement, family strengths, measurement development, and policy implications (RP)

• Inform future research, practice, philanthropy, or public policy decisions

Budget & Duration

• New data studies: Up to $125,000/year for up to 3 years

• Existing data analysis: Up to $100,000 for 1–1.5 years

• Indirect costs:

  • Capped at 10% of direct costs for budgets over $50,000

  • Not allowed for budgets $50,000 or below

• Limited conference travel supported in final year

Eligibility

• Principal Investigators must be affiliated with U.S. universities, colleges, or large nonprofit research organizations

• Funding administered through the home institution

• Only nonprofit organizations eligible

• At least one leadership team member should represent populations included in the study sample

• Projects must be based in the U.S.

Application Process

1. Letter of Intent (LOI):

   • Submitted in .pdf format

   • Include project title, estimated timeline, budget, investigator/institution details, statement (≤1,000 words) covering research questions, rationale, methodology, and data analysis plan

   • Confirmation received within 3 days

2. Stage 1 Application: (by invitation only)

   • Use official Brady Education Foundation forms

   • Include budget justification, detailed timeline, CVs, letters of support, data sharing agreements, institutional approval, and tax-exempt proof

   • Compiled into a single .pdf

3. Stage 2 Application:

   • Full Board review; detailed guidelines provided upon invitation

Review Criteria

• Alignment with Foundation’s mission and strength-based orientation

• Potential impact on education research, practice, philanthropy, or policy

• Rigorous and appropriate methodology

• Feasible design, timeline, and realistic budget

• For program evaluations:

  • Preference for scalable programs

  • Rigorous design and measurable child outcomes

  • Feasible and sustainable implementation

Key Points

• Project duration: Up to 3 years (new-data or EPE)

• Existing dataset projects: ≤1.5 years

• Letters of Intent accepted during specified dates

• Stage 1 application may be submitted in current or future cycles if invited

Conclusion

The Brady Education Foundation grants provide a valuable opportunity for U.S.-based nonprofit researchers to advance educational knowledge and improve outcomes for children. By funding both new-data research and evaluations of existing programs, the Foundation enables projects that can influence practice, policy, and philanthropic decisions. Eligible organizations with strong, methodologically sound proposals can leverage this support to generate actionable insights, strengthen evidence-based educational interventions, and create meaningful societal impact.

For more information, visit Brady Education Foundation.